Property Plus, the home improvement and repairs operation which is part of Housing Plus Group, has been shortlisted for a top award recognising what has been described as a ‘root and branch transformation’ of the service to customers.
The local team is celebrating news that it is one of the finalists in the Project of the Year category in the Building Communities Awards 2018.
The spotlight on Property Plus comes as a result of Project Turnaround, which reduced costs, increased productivity and resulted in increased investment in home improvements at a time of rent reduction and welfare reform.
The far-reaching transformation of the service has already seen Property Plus secure national awards presented by the National Home Maintenance Forum and Housing Excellence.
By embedding Fair Landlord principles, investing in training, introducing new, efficient working practices and reducing costs, Property Plus has been able to boost customer satisfaction and secure its long-term financial position. It has launched an acclaimed apprenticeship programme and brought specialist services in-house including a new electrical team which last year carried out work worth more than £1m.
“Project Turnaround was at the root of a new corporate culture in Staffordshire and is now playing a crucial role in the harmonisation of two legacy organisation following the merger between Housing Plus and Severnside Housing,” said Stephen Collins, property director for Housing Plus Group.
“At a time when many housing associations have had to cut their investment in housing maintenance it has meant that we have been able to increase the amount that we spend on fitting new kitchens and bathrooms, installing energy-efficient boilers and carrying out other home improvements which are really important to our customers. I’m delighted that the project is receiving widespread recognition because it is a tribute to everyone in the team who has worked so hard to deliver an excellent service and great value for money.”
The Building Communities Awards will be presented at the East Midlands Conference Centre on Friday 16 February.